Here and Now
We are living in a world of fear and uncertainty making many of us incapable of living in the moment.
I’ve been thinking about where the silver linings are in all of this, as this approach has helped me face my own struggles in life. I also encourage my family to use this approach when they are facing adversity.
Human Reboot
Is it possible that we might have needed a little reboot? Haven’t we been a little self-absorbed lately? I have to admit that I have been guilty of jumping out of bed in the morning to check social media and then read my email even before greeting my family. I have been a little off track. I have spent a lot of time focused on “me, myself, and I”.
When you turn on the news, you see the devastation of it all. It is easy to get caught up in the panic – rushing to the grocery story with the rest of the crowds. Believe me, no one is feeling fear more than me – I’m launching a business in the midst of all of this insanity.
What about us? The world? Where is the “we” in all of this?
Where are the silver linings?
I decided to stop in the middle of this and pay attention to the here and now. What is happening right now. I’ve seen families sharing COVID plans on FB that include daily routines for their families with exercise, creativity time, and academic plans. I have seen whole families on bike rides early in the day during the work week. I have seen families out on walks with their teenagers. Teenagers that are typically upstairs locked in the rooms, with their faces stuck on the phones in Snap Chat. Is it possible part of this might be bringing us closer? Could it be forcing us to pay attention to what really matters?
So what is the silver lining? Maybe we could love a little deeper. Maybe we could appreciate the ones we love. Maybe we will stop caring just a little about getting more stuff and making more money. The truth is that we don’t take all of this “stuff” with us at the end of it all. Maybe we will put down our phones, turn off the TV, play some cards or take a walk with our loved ones, because they are the ones who really matter.
How to stay positive in a time of uncertainty
One of the best ways to stay positive is to stay away from the negativity. Trust me – I’ve got my COVID trackers up every day, but I have decided to limit myself to one hour a day of research and media exposure. Limiting social media can also help. There is a tremendous amount of gloom and doom out there (also a lot of misinformation). You want to stay informed but limit how much you are doing this.
Having a daily routine outside of work that includes mindfulness practices, outdoor exercise, family time and creativity time can also really help. Having structure can really help when you are home bound with your family.
What can you do to pay attention to what is happening right now? Stay in the moment. There is enough. I have enough. I am enough. You have exactly what you need right now. Don’t be afraid.
Be here now.
